Well, it doesn't look like we'll be seeing any hunting or trapping seasons for wolves any time in the near future. I wrote a post a couple of weeks ago mentioning the possibility of a wolf season in the makings in the state of Michigan. Since then, the Michigan DNR adopted an updated wolf management plan, which didn't include any hunting or trapping component, despite … [Read more...]
Trapping Controversy in Nova Scotia
The conflict between trapping and pets is often misunderstood and severely damaging to the future of legal trapping in North America. Pets are occasionally caught in traps set for furbearing wildlife, and each incident is heartfelt and depressing, usually stirring up controversy over whether trapping should be legal or not. In a recent news article, Nova Scotia trapper Gary … [Read more...]
Montana FWP Commission Keeps Wolverine Trapping Legal
Kudos to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission for taking a stand and allowing wolverine trapping for another year. During a commission meeting this month, the FWP commission, which sets hunting, fishing and trapping regulations, denied appeals to stop the harvest of wolverines. The wolverine is perhaps the wildest species in the weasel family, typically residing … [Read more...]
Is A Wolf Trapping Season in Michigan’s Future?
Is it time to start managing the burgeoning wolf population in Michigan? Mike Wendland, columnist with the Detroit Free Press, argues that responsible, limited harvest may be necessary to maintain a wolf population that is acceptable to both wildlife enthusiasts and the general public. You can read the great news story and video clip here. Mike provides some great video … [Read more...]
AMVA Sets Guidelines for Humane Trapping
The American Veterinary Medical Association recently issued a revised policy concerning the humaneness of using steel jawed leg-hold traps, which encourages modern, modified traps that are intended to increase animal welfare. Part of their position can be seen below: While not perfect, modified traps are less likely to cause severe injury and improvements in their application … [Read more...]
Minnesota Ordered to Avoid Incidental Trapping of Lynx
After a brief intermission, the Canada lynx issue is back to the forefront of outdoor politics in the state of Minnesota. This past Monday, a federal judged ruled that the Minnesota DNR "promptly take all action necessary to [ensure] no further taking of threatened Canada lynx". Basically, this means that the state must apply for an "incidental take permit" (ITP) from the … [Read more...]
Trapping Law Helps Protect North Carolina Landowners
Here's some trapping related news I thought I'd pass on for those of you in North Carolina. Individuals in Alamance County, North Carolina are pushing for the extension of a fox trapping law that has helped protect landowners from property damage since its inception in 2006. The 'local bill' applies on the county level and allows for a longer fox trapping season than … [Read more...]
Division Among Hunters and Trappers Weakens Sportsmen
Unity among hunting, fishing and trapping groups is a very important aspect of preserving the outdoor heritage enjoyed by participants in these activities. Being a hunter, fisherman and trapper myself, I find it hard to understand why trappers and hound hunters can't seem to get along in many areas. I hate to pick on any one state in particular, but Michigan has recently … [Read more...]